Pathways to Community
What do you think of when you hear the word "community"?
Your neighborhood, your town, your school, your church? Certainly, these are places where people with something in common have gathered, but does it mean that they are a community in the true sense of the word? Sometimes, the loneliest place is in a crowd. The simple aggregation of people in one place does not guarantee community, even at a place like church.
Introduction
Have you ever come to a worship service, slipped in the back door, sat quietly in the pew, politely greeted a few people, then slipped back out, for the most part undetected? If this is your experience, we want you to know that God desires so much more for you!
Church is not an event we go to. Church is being part of a family. Yes, a family that worships together, but being part of a family is so much more than that! A family is a place where you can belong, where people know your name and can share your joys and struggles—even call you to account when your life starts heading in the wrong direction. No family is perfect, and being in relationship with others requires a sacrifice of time and energy. But anyone who has experienced the joy of a healthy family will tell you that the rewards are worth it!
We desire this kind of family experience for everyone at Lake Avenue. We want to provide the places and spaces where you can find true community with others that will provide friendship, challenge, and opportunities to serve one another and make a difference in the world.
If you are looking for this kind of community at LAC, we want to help you. Beginning Sunday, October 3rd, the Pathways seminar will provide a consistent place where you can find a guide and a community of others who are looking for those places of connection. We can create the place and the space, but we invite you to make the sacrifice of time and energy to join us. We hope that you find the reward to be great!
Pathways, Sundays @ 11am, FL 201/202, Starting October 3rd
John Secrest
Associate Pastor of Adult Ministries